When I think back on my own attempt, it seems appropriate to say that "I committed myself TO suicide." I'd suffered undiagnosed bipolar w/ psychosis for most of my life and was committed to ending it. Most survivors seem not to mind the phrase "commit suicide." I think it's something that people who are grieving are demanding for their own peace of mind. The truth is that I absolutely attempted murder, and in some states in the U.S., suicide attempts can still be prosecuted as common law (though not Federally). Anyhow- loved reading this and glad I subscribed.
I can't find the perfect place to put this comment, George, but -- sorry to hear about your father. I know through your writings, that you were close. And yes, I will go check the weatherstripping on my door!
I can't find the perfect place to put this comment, George, but -- sorry to hear about your father. I know through your writings, that you were close. And yes, I will go check the weatherstripping on my door!
You always take on brave topics, which is laudable. The laws on ending fetal lives have not been arbitrary, until the overthrowing of Roe. The life they never consider is the life of the woman, who, being the physical host of the fetus, has the moral right to terminate at any and all times. Unfortunately that is not the case anywhere in the world; most everywhere she is considered a mere vessel and her life is considered as inferior value to the fetus she hosts.
When you speak of the cheapening of life, I think of the shocking latest customs on the cheapening of the lives of independent (not attached by an umbilical cord) people. As more of my friends are dying, I am hearing of obituaries not being written, and funerals/memorial svs being postponed for MONTHS, until "after the holidays," or "when it's convenient for everyone to get together." As if, "yeah, we don't want to pass up that Memorial Day barbeque, to officially mourn our loved one who can't attend, this year. He should have died at a more convenient time." It's not only a despicable lack of respect for the deceased, it's a slap in the face to the loved ones who need the comfort of mourning together, and sharing their grief. In fact no one can even be bothered to go through the phone book of the deceased and notify people. Apparently you need to be on Facebook, and be a "friend" on Facebook and check your account daily, to find out if your loved one died. The cheapening, and commercialization, of life is AWFUL and terrifying.
I dont know much about the laws on "assisted suicide" or "death with dignity." It is one thing to take one's own life, and another thing to have it facilitated by the medical community. I do think that mental anguish can be as severe as physical suffering, although I have not experienced severe physical suffering with no end in sight. I had friends who took their lives. Yes it was tragic and traumatic for me. But it matters, more, what it means for them. I hope and pray they are in a better place and no longer suffering.
When I think back on my own attempt, it seems appropriate to say that "I committed myself TO suicide." I'd suffered undiagnosed bipolar w/ psychosis for most of my life and was committed to ending it. Most survivors seem not to mind the phrase "commit suicide." I think it's something that people who are grieving are demanding for their own peace of mind. The truth is that I absolutely attempted murder, and in some states in the U.S., suicide attempts can still be prosecuted as common law (though not Federally). Anyhow- loved reading this and glad I subscribed.
Thank you Amelia. And thanks for your own brave writing on bipolar disorder.
I can't find the perfect place to put this comment, George, but -- sorry to hear about your father. I know through your writings, that you were close. And yes, I will go check the weatherstripping on my door!
Thanks Janet. He was very special, and much better than me at home repairs. I miss him.
I can't find the perfect place to put this comment, George, but -- sorry to hear about your father. I know through your writings, that you were close. And yes, I will go check the weatherstripping on my door!
You always take on brave topics, which is laudable. The laws on ending fetal lives have not been arbitrary, until the overthrowing of Roe. The life they never consider is the life of the woman, who, being the physical host of the fetus, has the moral right to terminate at any and all times. Unfortunately that is not the case anywhere in the world; most everywhere she is considered a mere vessel and her life is considered as inferior value to the fetus she hosts.
When you speak of the cheapening of life, I think of the shocking latest customs on the cheapening of the lives of independent (not attached by an umbilical cord) people. As more of my friends are dying, I am hearing of obituaries not being written, and funerals/memorial svs being postponed for MONTHS, until "after the holidays," or "when it's convenient for everyone to get together." As if, "yeah, we don't want to pass up that Memorial Day barbeque, to officially mourn our loved one who can't attend, this year. He should have died at a more convenient time." It's not only a despicable lack of respect for the deceased, it's a slap in the face to the loved ones who need the comfort of mourning together, and sharing their grief. In fact no one can even be bothered to go through the phone book of the deceased and notify people. Apparently you need to be on Facebook, and be a "friend" on Facebook and check your account daily, to find out if your loved one died. The cheapening, and commercialization, of life is AWFUL and terrifying.
I dont know much about the laws on "assisted suicide" or "death with dignity." It is one thing to take one's own life, and another thing to have it facilitated by the medical community. I do think that mental anguish can be as severe as physical suffering, although I have not experienced severe physical suffering with no end in sight. I had friends who took their lives. Yes it was tragic and traumatic for me. But it matters, more, what it means for them. I hope and pray they are in a better place and no longer suffering.